CRST Membership Near and Far: Save our Cooperative

In brief, this is to support the District 1 Community Development Cooperatives Farm and Ranch TECA budget proposal appeal. We were turned down flat and we may not get a chance to be heard for appeal at all. If you are a CRST member living out of state, going to school, in the military, off reservation, PLEASE make that comment when signing our petition. In our farm and agricultural programs proposal you will see the great thought and foresight in developing our comprehensive proposal which covers all bases. Our proposal will generate cash receipts yearly with the prospect of financial sustainability to our cooperative members. This is unique because of our Treaty RIGHT to farm. Most of our District 1 communities lay in the most poverty stricken county in our Nation, Ziebach County. Our employment opportunities are near non-existent and we want this for not only our able bodied employable members, but to take care of our Elders and create a legacy for our children and grand children. The Oyate Committee turned us down with a slap to the face. We have the legal upper hand for a positive appeal outcome, but we need our entire CRST tiospaye membership support. Let's get it through our government and powers-that-be that we must start our self sustaining lifestyle. This cooperative is not only a vision, but our right, and a venture worth fighting for as a model for the rest of our tribal districts people.

One voice can create a stir, but the unity of many voices will create a thunder storm! WE SHALL PREVAIL!